The most common cause of death due to diarrhoea is–

Correct option is D

Sol. Dehydration is the most common and serious cause of death in children suffering from acute diarrhoea. Loss of fluids and electrolytes through frequent loose stools leads to hypovolemia, shock, and ultimately death if not treated quickly with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or IV fluids. Simple rehydration therapy can save lives, especially in under-five children in low-resource settings.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Vomiting – Incorrect. Vomiting contributes to fluid loss but is not the direct cause of death unless accompanied by severe dehydration.
· (b) Abdominal pain – Incorrect. Pain is a symptom, not a life-threatening complication in itself. It does not cause mortality.
· (c) Lethargy – Incorrect. Lethargy is a sign of severe dehydration, but not a cause of death. It indicates worsening condition.
· (d) Dehydration – Correct. Major fluid and electrolyte loss in diarrhoea leads to dehydration, which if unmanaged, results in death due to shock or kidney failure.